Political Scienceat Francis Marion University
Graduates earn $24,289/yr in their first year — about 34.0% below the national Political Science average. Base-case 10-year earnings $398K; scenarios range from $391K to $385K depending on AI disruption.
What this degree looks like at Francis Marion University
Studying Political Science and Government at Francis Marion offers a strong foundation in critical thinking and analytical skills, but it's essential to understand the regional employment landscape. Florence, SC, and the surrounding area don't typically host the high-paying federal government, policy think tank, or corporate strategy roles often found in major political or economic hubs. Your career path here might more commonly lead to local government, non-profit administration, or generalist roles in businesses where your broad analytical skills are valued, rather than specialized, high-earning positions. The program likely prepares you well for civic engagement and public service within South Carolina. To maximize your career prospects and mitigate future job displacement risks, actively pursue internships that build tangible, transferable skills like data analysis, advanced research, or technical writing. Network diligently to access opportunities beyond the immediate region, or plan for graduate studies to specialize in fields like law or public administration.
Three scenarios, ten years out
Each scenario is a different assumption about how AI reshapes the career paths this major feeds into. Earnings projections stack the full 10-year cumulative trajectory; scores use the same 0–100 metric as the hero, recomputed under that scenario's assumptions.
10 year projection
Year-by-year earnings under each scenario. Base case reflects BLS growth patterns applied to Francis Marion University's starting earnings; optimistic and pessimistic adjust for AI's effect on each career path this major feeds into.
Common career destinations for this program's graduates, weighted by the school's specific occupation mix. Salary is BLS national median; AI risk is per-role task-exposure research.
Peer schools offering Political Science
How Francis Marion University stacks up against other schools offering this major.
Other top programs at Francis Marion University
Other highest-scoring programs offered at Francis Marion University, ranked by DegreeOutlook Score.
Consider the trade route
Not sure a 4-year degree is the right path? Trade programs in Political Science offer shorter timelines, lower debt, and strong AI resilience for hands-on careers.
Compare Political Science trade programs on TradeSchoolOutlook →Frequently asked about Political Science at Francis Marion University
What does a 31/100 DegreeOutlook Score mean for Political Science at Francis Marion University?
At 31/100, the financial outlook is modest. Higher-scoring Political Science programs exist, though non-financial factors may justify this choice.
What's the payoff timeline for a Political Science degree from Francis Marion University?
At $27,000 in median debt, graduates carry 13 months of starting salary in loans. Income-driven repayment plans may be relevant for many borrowers.
Should I worry about AI if I study Political Science at Francis Marion University?
The 50% AI task exposure score is above average. Our model shows this affecting job availability more than salaries — graduates may face stiffer competition for fewer positions.
Is Francis Marion University a good choice for Political Science despite lower starting pay?
Starting salary is one data point. If Francis Marion University's tuition is significantly below average, the ROI calculation can still work — lower earnings paired with lower costs can be a reasonable trade.